Rocky Balboa said that “Our greatest glory is not in falling but rising every time we fall.”
At American Senior Communities, we are rising tall and fighting back against Parkinson’s disease with the help of Rock Steady Boxing classes. In Rock Steady, our opponent is Parkinson’s disease. This popular program is similar to a joining a health and fitness club, and gives participants membership to our New Energy Wellness gym in our Assisted Living community.
Who can participate?
Membership in the Rock Steady Boxing program is open to anyone with Parkinson’s, whether you are fighting a new battle or a long-standing enemy. Prior to beginning classes, new participants are assessed on an individual level to identify current functional abilities, rate of progression, and personal goals for improving quality of life.
- The PD 1/2 Class is for individuals who do not need any type of assisted device for safety. This class has more high impact exercises and is offered multiple times during the week.
- The PD 3/4 Class involves lower impact exercise and is generally for individuals needing some type of assisted device (such as a cane, walker, etc.) due to balance, endurance, or cognitive issues.
How do we fight Parkinson’s Disease?
Studies shows that rigorous exercise emphasizing gross motor movement, balance, core strength and rhythm could make a significant impact in slowing disease progression. Rock Steady Boxing is a non-contact, boxing-inspired program. Our mission is to empower residents and participants to fight back against Parkinson’s disease. Professional boxers train for agility, speed, muscular endurance, coordination, footwork, and strength. RSB takes the same approach to defend and overcome Parkinson’s.
Exercises are adapted from boxing drills vary dependent upon each individuals personal fitness and progression of symptoms. Just like a professional boxer, participants will rotate through different exercises designed to defend and prepare for different stages of the fight. Some of these areas of focus include:
- Strength (improving muscle mass / decreasing weakness)
- Ambulation (normalizing gait pattern)
- Mobility
- Increasing Rotation (improved dressing and core stability; trunk control)
- Balance (to decrease risk of falls)
- Voice Activation (improved functional communication and respiratory control)
- Foot Work and Coordination
- Balance & Posture
- Stance Width
- Sequencing
- Recognition
- Recall
- Following Directions
- Respiratory Support
- Proprioception
“My balance, strength, physical abilities, memory have all gotten better. My daily life is better because of the classes I am better at yard work, and sports that I enjoy like golf. Still waiting for it to decrease my handicap” – Mike
Currently offered at Coventry Meadows, we are an affiliate of Rock Steady Boxing of Indianapolis. Rock Steady Boxing was founded in 2006 by former Marion County Prosecutor, Scott C. Newman, who is himself fighting Parkinson’s disease. The program is open to all individuals fighting Parkinson’s disease.
